Top 30 Most Common Interview Questions For An Entry Level Position You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Introduction
Landing your first job is an exciting step, and preparing for the interview is key to success. Entry-level interviews are designed to assess your potential, transferable skills, and cultural fit, even if you lack extensive work experience. Hiring managers understand you're early in your career journey, so they focus on your education, enthusiasm, and foundational abilities. This guide covers the 30 most common interview questions for an entry level position, providing insights into what interviewers are looking for and offering example answers. By practicing your responses to these typical interview questions for an entry level position, you can build confidence, articulate your value proposition, and make a strong impression. Preparing thoroughly for interview questions for an entry level position allows you to highlight your readiness to learn and contribute. Mastering these common interview questions for an entry level position is essential for a successful job search.
What Are Interview Questions For An Entry Level Position
Interview questions for an entry level position are a set of inquiries typically asked to candidates applying for roles that require little to no prior professional experience. These questions aim to understand your academic background, relevant skills gained through coursework, internships, or projects, your motivation for applying, and behavioral tendencies. Unlike interviews for more experienced roles, interview questions for an entry level position often delve deeper into your educational journey, extracurricular activities, and how you handle situations using limited real-world examples. They assess your potential for growth, willingness to learn, communication skills, and basic problem-solving abilities. Preparing for common interview questions for an entry level position is a crucial step in your job application process.
Why Do Interviewers Ask Interview Questions For An Entry Level Position
Interviewers ask interview questions for an entry level position to evaluate a candidate's foundational knowledge, aptitude, and cultural fit within the organization. Since candidates may not have extensive professional history, interviewers rely on questions that explore academic performance, projects, internships, and simulated scenarios (behavioral questions) to gauge potential. They want to see how you approach challenges, work with others, learn new things, and demonstrate core competencies like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Your answers to interview questions for an entry level position reveal your personality, work ethic, and genuine interest in the role and company, helping them determine if you are a good investment for future training and development.
Preview List
Tell me about yourself.
What is your biggest motivation?
What is your greatest strength?
What is your greatest weakness?
Tell me a little bit about your degree and time in college.
What made you choose your university or college?
Which college courses did you enjoy the most? Why?
Which college courses did you enjoy the least? Why?
How has your educational background prepared you for this role?
Describe your biggest challenge in school and how you overcame it.
Tell me about your previous jobs.
How did your previous roles prepare you for this position?
Have you participated in any internships? What was the most important thing you learned?
Describe a time when you had a pressing deadline and an overwhelming workload. How did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when you were part of a team. What was your role and how did it go?
Give an example of when you taught a concept to a classmate or colleague.
Have you ever had a disagreement with a peer? How did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when your work was critiqued. What was your response?
Have you ever encountered a major issue at work? How did you deal with it?
How would you present a criticism, issue, or suggestion to a supervisor?
Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma. How did you handle it?
Tell me about a time when you had to align with a decision you didn’t agree with.
Describe a time when you worked with a difficult individual. How did you manage the situation?
Why do you want to work here?
How did you hear about this position?
Walk me through your resume.
What are your career goals?
How do you handle stress and pressure?
What do you know about our company?
Why should we hire you?
1. Tell me about yourself
Why you might get asked this:
This is an opening question to ease you in and get a brief overview of your relevant background and interest in the role. It's your chance to make a strong first impression.
How to answer:
Keep it concise (1-2 minutes). Focus on your education, key skills, any relevant experience like internships or projects, and why you are interested in this specific entry-level position.
Example answer:
“I recently graduated with a degree in marketing. During college, I completed two internships where I focused on social media campaign development and data analysis. I'm eager to apply my creative and analytical skills to real-world projects, and this entry-level position at your company aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.”
2. What is your biggest motivation
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to understand what drives your work ethic and professional interests. This reveals your passion and whether it aligns with the demands of the role.
How to answer:
Discuss professional drivers like learning new things, solving challenging problems, contributing to a team goal, or achieving results. Connect it to the type of work you’d be doing.
Example answer:
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow in a challenging environment. I enjoy tackling complex problems and collaborating with others to find innovative solutions. The fast-paced nature of this industry and the chance to develop new skills are particularly exciting to me.”
3. What is your greatest strength
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your self-awareness and allows you to highlight a key skill or quality that is beneficial for the entry-level position.
How to answer:
Choose a strength relevant to the job description (e.g., communication, problem-solving, adaptability). Provide a brief, specific example of how you've demonstrated this strength.
Example answer:
“My greatest strength is my strong communication skill. During my internship, I was responsible for presenting weekly project updates to the team and external stakeholders, ensuring everyone was informed and aligned on progress and next steps.”
4. What is your greatest weakness
Why you might get asked this:
This question evaluates your self-awareness and honesty. Interviewers want to see that you can identify areas for improvement and are proactively working on them.
How to answer:
Choose a genuine, non-critical weakness. Frame it positively by explaining the steps you are taking to overcome it. Avoid clichés like "I work too hard."
Example answer:
“Sometimes I can be overly critical of my own work, striving for perfection which occasionally impacts my speed. I’m actively working on this by setting stricter time limits for tasks and focusing on delivering high-quality work within reasonable deadlines.”
5. Tell me a little bit about your degree and time in college
Why you might get asked this:
For entry-level candidates, your academic experience is often your most significant background. They want to understand your major, focus areas, and overall college journey.
How to answer:
Summarize your degree program, highlighting relevant coursework, significant projects, or any leadership roles or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills valuable to the job.
Example answer:
“I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business. I particularly enjoyed courses in data structures, software development, and project management. I also led a student coding club, which enhanced my teamwork and leadership abilities.”
6. What made you choose your university or college
Why you might get asked this:
This question helps interviewers understand your decision-making process, values, and what you prioritize in an educational setting.
How to answer:
Explain your reasoning, focusing on factors like the program's reputation, specific departmental strengths, location, size, or opportunities for practical experience (like co-ops or research).
Example answer:
“I chose ABC University primarily because of its highly-regarded engineering program and the strong emphasis on hands-on projects. I was drawn to the opportunities for undergraduate research and the connection the faculty had with industry professionals.”
7. Which college courses did you enjoy the most Why
Why you might get asked this:
This reveals your intellectual curiosity and areas of genuine interest within your field. It helps gauge potential passion for tasks related to those subjects.
How to answer:
Select courses that align with the job's requirements or demonstrate transferable skills. Explain why you enjoyed them, linking the enjoyment to the skills or knowledge gained.
Example answer:
“I most enjoyed my Data Analytics course. I loved learning how to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding to see how data could inform decision-making, which I believe is vital in this role.”
8. Which college courses did you enjoy the least Why
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to see how you reflect on less positive experiences and what you learned from them. It tests your ability to handle challenging or uninteresting tasks professionally.
How to answer:
Be honest but diplomatic. Focus on what you learned despite not enjoying the subject, such as discipline, perseverance, or gaining a new perspective. Avoid sounding negative or dismissive.
Example answer:
“I found one of my introductory history courses less engaging than my core major classes. However, it taught me the importance of disciplined study and how to synthesize information from diverse sources, skills that are applicable anywhere.”
9. How has your educational background prepared you for this role
Why you might get asked this:
This directly asks you to connect your academic learning to the job requirements, helping the interviewer see the relevance of your studies.
How to answer:
Map specific coursework, projects, or academic experiences to the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level position. Use examples to illustrate your points.
Example answer:
“My degree in Communications equipped me with strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for client interactions. Group projects honed my teamwork, and coursework in digital media provided foundational knowledge relevant to your online presence initiatives.”
10. Describe your biggest challenge in school and how you overcame it
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question assesses your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to navigate difficulties – key traits for an entry-level hire facing new challenges.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe a specific academic challenge (difficult course, heavy workload, group issue) and the concrete steps you took to successfully resolve it.
Example answer:
“The biggest challenge was balancing a demanding course load with a part-time job in my final year. The workload felt overwhelming initially. My action was to create a strict schedule, prioritize tasks daily, and proactively communicate with professors about deadlines, resulting in successful completion of all courses.”
11. Tell me about your previous jobs
Why you might get asked this:
Even if not directly related, previous jobs (part-time, summer) demonstrate work ethic, responsibility, and transferable skills.
How to answer:
Briefly describe any past roles or internships, focusing on responsibilities and skills developed that are relevant to the entry-level position, even if they seem minor.
Example answer:
“I worked part-time as a barista throughout college. This role significantly improved my customer service skills, my ability to work efficiently under pressure during busy periods, and my reliability in handling daily operational tasks.”
12. How did your previous roles prepare you for this position
Why you might get asked this:
This prompts you to connect your past experiences, no matter how limited, to the requirements of the new role, showcasing your ability to identify transferable skills.
How to answer:
Identify skills gained in previous jobs or internships (e.g., time management, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, attention to detail) and explain how they apply to the tasks of the entry-level position.
Example answer:
“My internship in project coordination taught me how to manage multiple tasks, communicate effectively with team members, and adhere to tight deadlines. These experiences directly translate to the organizational and collaborative demands of this entry-level position.”
13. Have you participated in any internships What was the most important thing you learned
Why you might get asked this:
Internships provide practical experience. Interviewers want to know what you gained from these experiences and how you apply real-world lessons.
How to answer:
Describe your internship experience and identify one or two key takeaways. Focus on skills gained, lessons learned about the workplace, or insights into your career interests.
Example answer:
“Yes, I interned in a marketing department. The most important thing I learned was the critical role of data in decision-making. Analyzing campaign performance metrics showed me how insights drive strategy, something I'm excited to do here.”
14. Describe a time when you had a pressing deadline and an overwhelming workload How did you handle it
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question evaluates your time management, prioritization, and ability to perform under pressure – crucial skills for an entry-level role.
How to answer:
Use the STAR method. Describe the situation, the tasks involved, the specific actions you took (e.g., prioritizing, breaking down tasks, seeking help), and the positive result (met deadline, completed work).
Example answer:
“During a university project, two major assignments were due the same week. I felt overwhelmed initially. I immediately broke down each assignment into smaller steps, prioritized based on complexity and weighting, and created a detailed schedule to manage my time effectively, successfully completing both on time.”
15. Tell me about a time when you were part of a team What was your role and how did it go
Why you might get asked this:
Teamwork is essential in most roles. This question assesses your ability to collaborate, your understanding of team dynamics, and your contribution style.
How to answer:
Describe a specific team experience (academic project, sports team, club). Explain the team's goal, your specific role or contribution, and the outcome. Highlight collaboration and positive interaction.
Example answer:
“In a group project for a business class, our goal was to develop a marketing plan. I took on the role of research lead, coordinating information gathering and synthesizing findings. We communicated regularly, leveraged each other’s strengths, and delivered a well-received presentation.”
16. Give an example of when you taught a concept to a classmate or colleague
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your communication skills, patience, and ability to explain complex ideas simply – valuable for training or mentoring opportunities later.
How to answer:
Describe a specific instance where you helped someone understand something. Explain the concept, who you taught, how you explained it, and the result (they understood it, succeeded in the task).
Example answer:
“In a first-year programming course, a classmate struggled with a specific coding concept. I spent time with them after class, breaking down the logic step-by-step and using simpler analogies. They were able to grasp the concept and successfully complete the assignment.”
17. Have you ever had a disagreement with a peer How did you handle it
Why you might get asked this:
Conflict resolution is a key interpersonal skill. This question evaluates your ability to handle disagreements professionally and find constructive solutions.
How to answer:
Describe a specific, non-trivial disagreement. Explain the situation, your approach to resolving it (listening, compromising, focusing on the goal), and the positive outcome or lesson learned.
Example answer:
“During a group project, a team member and I disagreed on the best approach to a section. I listened actively to their perspective to understand their reasoning. We then discussed the pros and cons of both ideas and found a compromise that incorporated the best elements of each, ensuring project success.”
18. Tell me about a time when your work was critiqued What was your response
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to know if you can accept feedback constructively and learn from it, which is crucial for growth in an entry-level position.
How to answer:
Describe a specific instance where you received feedback (academic, internship). Explain the critique, your initial reaction, and how you processed and acted upon the feedback to improve your work or skills.
Example answer:
“After submitting a draft report during my internship, my supervisor provided detailed feedback on my analysis structure. While initially disappointed, I thanked them for the feedback, asked clarifying questions, and used their suggestions to revise the report, significantly improving its clarity and impact.”
19. Have you ever encountered a major issue at work How did you deal with it
Why you might get asked this:
This behavioral question assesses your problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively.
How to answer:
Describe a significant problem you faced in a previous role or academic project. Explain the issue, what steps you took to address it (investigating, seeking help, deciding on a course of action), and the resolution.
Example answer:
“During a part-time retail job, our inventory system went down unexpectedly during a busy sale. It was a major issue impacting sales. I immediately informed my manager, then worked with colleagues to manually track sales and inventory using backup procedures we had, minimizing disruption until the system was restored.”
20. How would you present a criticism issue or suggestion to a supervisor
Why you might get asked this:
This evaluates your professionalism, communication skills, and ability to navigate workplace hierarchies respectfully and effectively.
How to answer:
Explain your thoughtful and professional approach. Mention preparing your points clearly, focusing on objective facts or potential solutions, choosing an appropriate time and place, and maintaining a respectful tone.
Example answer:
“I would first ensure I have all the necessary information or data related to the issue or suggestion. I would request a brief meeting or choose a suitable time to discuss it privately, present the point calmly and clearly, focusing on the impact or potential benefit, and be open to their perspective and guidance.”
21. Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma How did you handle it
Why you might get asked this:
Integrity is highly valued. This question assesses your moral compass and decision-making under pressure in situations with ethical implications.
How to answer:
Describe a specific situation where you had to make a choice based on ethical principles. Explain the dilemma, your decision-making process (considering consequences, company values), and the action you took, focusing on upholding integrity.
Example answer:
“In a student club handling finances, I noticed a small discrepancy in expense reporting that seemed unintentional but wasn't corrected. It wasn't major, but I felt obligated to ensure transparency. I discreetly brought it to the attention of the club treasurer and faculty advisor to ensure it was reviewed and handled appropriately according to club policy.”
22. Tell me about a time when you had to align with a decision you didn’t agree with
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your adaptability, professionalism, and ability to be a team player even when your personal preference differs.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where a team or leader made a decision you initially disagreed with. Explain your initial reaction, how you processed it, and how you ultimately supported the decision and contributed to its implementation professionally.
Example answer:
“In a group project, the team chose a different research methodology than I felt was optimal. While I voiced my concerns during discussion, the team decided otherwise. Once the decision was made, I fully committed to their chosen method and worked diligently to contribute my best effort to make it successful.”
23. Describe a time when you worked with a difficult individual How did you manage the situation
Why you might get asked this:
This evaluates your interpersonal skills, patience, and ability to work effectively with challenging personalities common in any workplace.
How to answer:
Describe working with someone difficult (in school, work, volunteering). Focus on your approach: staying professional, trying to understand their perspective, focusing on shared goals, and maintaining respectful communication.
Example answer:
“During a university collaborative project, one team member was consistently unresponsive. I tried reaching out privately first to understand if they needed support. When that didn't fully resolve it, I focused our interactions strictly on project tasks and deadlines in group meetings, ensuring their required contributions were clear and documented, allowing us to complete the project.”
24. Why do you want to work here
Why you might get asked this:
This question gauges your genuine interest in the company and role. It shows if you've done your research and understand how you fit in.
How to answer:
Reference specific aspects of the company (mission, values, projects, reputation, culture) and explain how they align with your skills, interests, and career goals. Show you've researched them.
Example answer:
“I’ve followed [Company Name]'s work in [Industry/Specific Area] and am particularly impressed by your commitment to [Company Value or Project]. I believe my skills in [Your Skill] and my passion for [Your Interest] would allow me to make meaningful contributions to your team and grow professionally within your innovative environment.”
25. How did you hear about this position
Why you might get asked this:
This question helps the company understand the effectiveness of their recruitment channels and provides context for your application.
How to answer:
Simply state where you saw the job posting (company website, job board, referral) and add a brief sentence expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Example answer:
“I saw the listing for this entry-level position on your company's careers page. I've been proactively looking for opportunities at companies like yours, and this role immediately caught my eye due to its focus on [mention something specific from the role].”
26. Walk me through your resume
Why you might get asked this:
This allows you to guide the conversation, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your background (education, experience, skills) for the specific entry-level position.
How to answer:
Start with your most recent education or experience and briefly summarize each point, connecting it back to the requirements of the job description. Keep it concise and focused.
Example answer:
“Certainly. As my resume shows, I recently graduated with a degree in Finance, where I gained strong analytical and quantitative skills. During my internship at [Company], I applied these skills by [mention a task]. I also held a part-time job in customer service, which strengthened my communication abilities.”
27. What are your career goals
Why you might get asked this:
Interviewers want to see if your aspirations are realistic and if they align with the growth potential offered by the entry-level position and the company.
How to answer:
Discuss realistic short-term goals related to developing skills in the entry-level role and slightly longer-term goals, showing ambition and a desire to grow within the company.
Example answer:
“In the short term, my goal is to master the responsibilities of this entry-level position and contribute effectively to the team. Long term, I aim to develop my skills in [specific area] and potentially take on more challenging projects or even leadership opportunities within the company.”
28. How do you handle stress and pressure
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your coping mechanisms and ability to remain effective when faced with demanding situations common in the workplace.
How to answer:
Describe healthy and productive strategies you use, such as prioritizing tasks, breaking down large projects, staying organized, taking short breaks, or seeking support when needed.
Example answer:
“I handle stress by staying organized and prioritizing my tasks effectively. Breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable steps helps me maintain focus. I also find that taking short, planned breaks helps me return to work refreshed and more productive, especially under pressure.”
29. What do you know about our company
Why you might get asked this:
This directly checks if you've done your homework. Showing genuine knowledge indicates strong interest and seriousness about the entry-level position.
How to answer:
Share specific details about the company's products/services, mission, values, recent news, achievements, or market position. Connect your knowledge back to your interest.
Example answer:
“I know that [Company Name] is a leader in [Industry/Area], particularly recognized for its innovative approach to [Specific Product/Service]. I read about your recent initiative regarding [News Item] and was really impressed by [Reason]. Your company culture, emphasizing [Value], also strongly resonates with me.”
30. Why should we hire you
Why you might get asked this:
This is your closing statement to sell yourself. It's a summary of your qualifications and enthusiasm, directly answering why you are the best fit for this entry-level position.
How to answer:
Summarize your key strengths, relevant education/experience (internships, projects), enthusiasm for the specific role and company, and express your eagerness to learn and contribute.
Example answer:
“You should hire me because I bring a strong academic foundation in [Your Field], complemented by practical skills gained through my internships in [Relevant Area]. I am a highly motivated and quick learner, with a strong work ethic and genuine passion for the work you do here. I am confident I can quickly become a valuable asset to your team in this entry-level position.”
Other Tips to Prepare for an Entry Level Position Interview
Preparing for interview questions for an entry level position goes beyond just knowing the answers. Practice is key. "Rehearsing your responses helps you sound confident and articulate," notes one career coach. Consider using the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure your answers clearly. Research the company thoroughly – understand their mission, values, and recent news. This allows you to tailor your answers to demonstrate alignment and genuine interest in the entry-level position. Remember to prepare questions to ask the interviewer, showing your engagement. Utilizing tools like the Verve AI Interview Copilot (https://vervecopilot.com) can provide mock interview practice and personalized feedback to refine your answers to common interview questions for an entry level position. "Practice makes perfect, especially for high-stakes situations like job interviews," another expert suggests. Ensure you dress professionally, arrive on time, and follow up with a thank-you note. The Verve AI Interview Copilot can help you feel fully prepared. Using the Verve AI Interview Copilot to simulate answering various interview questions for an entry level position is a smart strategy for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should my answers be? A1: Aim for concise answers, typically 1-2 minutes for most questions. Behavioral answers using STAR might be slightly longer.
Q2: Should I use examples from school or work? A2: Both are acceptable for entry-level roles. Use the most relevant and impactful examples you have, regardless of source.
Q3: What if I don't have an answer for a behavioral question? A3: Take a moment to think. You can ask for clarification or briefly explain that while you don't have an exact match, you can describe how you would approach such a situation.
Q4: Is it okay to ask questions at the end? A4: Absolutely, it's expected! Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about the role, team, company culture, or next steps.
Q5: How much research should I do on the company? A5: Enough to understand their business, recent activities, and values, allowing you to explain your interest genuinely and ask informed questions.
Q6: How can I manage nervousness? A6: Preparation is the best way. Practice your answers, arrive early, take deep breaths, and remember they expect you to be learning.
